New WIC Office Opening Its Door, Expanding Services

Utica, NY (WIBX) - The new Women, Infants and Children Program offices is officially opening the door to its new location tomorrow.Oneida County Executive, Anthony Picente said the new location will better serve the people of the community. He said, "It's about bringing a service that is so valuable, we believe to the women, infants and children, the WIC Program, which has been in existence for over 30 years here in Oneida County. Making it more accessible to the people that need it in the community, in the City of Utica. And this new location here on South and St. Vincent Street is ideal based on our Census data and tracking of those families that are in need, and that can use this program so, it's about making it more accessible and expanding the program. We want people to know where the new location is and in particular those that could be eligible."

The WIC Program is a federally funded program, which is administered locally through the County Health Department in cooperation with the Cornell Cooperative Extension Program. Director of Health, Dr. Gayle D. Jones said many working families can be eligible, even a couple with six children with an annual income of $68,469. Also, based on a families income, pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to 5-years old can participate in the program.

According to Jones, WIC offers nutritious foods, health education materials, breast feeding support and dietary assessments for those that are eligible to receive the support service. Jones said, "As we move forward we are looking forward to having the communities input. We would really like to hear from the community and like to know, 'what bothers you about WIC, or what's good for you, or what do you think needs to be improved, and what are you will to do?' She said the community can come in to work with WIC officials to help improve the services to, "make it the WIC you are proud to call your own."

For more information about the WIC program or to determine eligibility visit: www.ocgov.net or contact their office directly at (315) 798-5066.